Air India is poised to set a new record on its route between New Delhi and Melbourne. For the upcoming winter season, the Indian airline will increase the frequency of this route to 10 flights per week, a level never before reached between the two cities.
Contrary to the image of a service in continuous expansion, the current situation is actually more modest. Air India currently operates a reduced schedule on this route, with only four weekly flights, a temporary reduction decided in response to rising fuel prices and fleet constraints.
Return to daily flights in september
The ramp-up will take place in two phases:
– From September 1, 2026: daily service (7 flights per week) will be restored between Delhi and Melbourne.
– From October 25, 2026: Air India will add three more weekly flights, bringing the total to 10 flights per week, an unprecedented peak on this route.
Fares on this route remain dynamic and vary according to seasonality, demand, and booking lead time. As a guide, one-way economy tickets between Delhi and Melbourne start at around 49,000 Indian rupees, while from Melbourne to Delhi, the lowest prices are around 919 Australian dollars one-way. Generally, January and February are among the most expensive months to travel on this route, while August remains one of the most affordable months in economy class.
New Delhi – Melbourne flight schedule
The daily flight, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, will maintain the following schedule: departure from Delhi (DEL) at 1:15 a.m., arriving in Melbourne at 7:00 p.m. the same day; on the return leg, departure from Melbourne (MEL) at 8:30 p.m., arriving in Delhi at 3:50 a.m. the following morning.
The three additional weekly flights, operated with Boeing 787-8 aircraft, will follow separate schedules: departing Delhi at 1:45 p.m. and arriving in Melbourne at 7:30 a.m. the following morning, and returning from Melbourne at 9:15 a.m. and arriving in Delhi at 4:35 p.m.
Since the beginning of July, Air India has replaced the Boeing 787-8 with a refurbished Boeing 777-300ER on the daily Delhi-Melbourne route, adding nearly 500 more seats per week compared to the previous configuration. This aircraft features 328 seats in three classes: 8 suites in First Class, 40 fully lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 280 seats in Economy Class. The three additional weekly flights will continue to be operated with a Boeing 787-8.
As a reminder, Melbourne is not Air India’s only gateway to the Australian mainland. The airline also serves Sydney from Delhi, with a daily direct flight currently operated by Boeing 787.